Dragon

While drawings and paintings of dragons have long been made across East Asia, this work is an unusual early example of a dragon in sculpted form. The beast’s head is raised, its neck taut and mouth open, ready to attack. It may have been created as a guardian figure at a grave site, as a protector for the deceased in the afterlife.

In China, the dragon was considered a powerful but benevolent being that dwelled in the heavens and brought rain for bountiful harvests. In later years, the dragon also came to symbolize imperial rulers and their power.